Syrian troops launch fresh raid on rebels

SYRIAN government forces launched a major attack on rebels in the southern province of Daraa yesterday, in the biggest flare-up of violence since the regime retook the region in 2018.

At least 23 people were killed, including eight civilians, eight soldiers and five rebel fighters, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Tension were heightened on Tuesday after President Bashar al-assad’s forces and their allies shelled areas controlled by opposition forces, reportedly in search of wanted men.

But yesterday raids were stepped up, leading to what the Observatory called “the most violent and broadest clashes in Daraa since it came under regime control”.

The province became known as the cradle of the uprising against Mr Assad that erupted in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring revolts.

It was recaptured by Syrian government troops three years ago and Mr Assad has since regained control of most of the country with the help of Russia and Iran.

Many former rebels stayed in Daraa instead of evacuating under a Moscowbrokered deal, either joining the army or sharing security patrols in parts of the province.

Tit-for-tat bombings and assassinations between former opposition figures and regime forces have since become routine.

The Al-watan newspaper said yesterday the Syrian army had started “a military operation against hideouts of terrorists who thwarted a reconciliation deal”. The war in Syria has killed nearly 500,000 people and displaced millions since it began.